6 Ultimate Antioxidant-Packed Drinks to Boost Your Health
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vital compounds that protect your body from harmful free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to various diseases. These free radicals can come from within the body or from external sources like pollution and smoke. When their levels get too high, they can wreak havoc on your health. Thankfully, antioxidants are abundant in many delicious foods and beverages, helping to keep your body’s defenses strong and healthy.
The Best Antioxidant-Rich Drinks
With countless drinks vying for your attention in the beverage aisle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, some of the best antioxidant-packed options have been around for centuries. Let’s dive into six of the best antioxidant-rich drinks recommended by dietitians to boost your health and keep those free radicals at bay.
1. Green Tea
One of the most popular and ancient beverages, green tea, is a top pick for antioxidant-rich drinks. Erin Davis, M.S., RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian, says, “Green tea stands out for its high content of catechins, plant compounds that have numerous health benefits, including reducing blood sugar levels, protecting the nervous system, and even having anti-cancer properties.”
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, don’t forget to add a squeeze of lemon. Research shows that citrus juice can enhance your body’s absorption of green tea’s antioxidants. A 100-gram serving of green tea contains 1.5 mmol of antioxidants. Need a relaxing cup? Try a Soothing Ginger-Lemon Tea. Looking for a refreshing boost? Our Energy Drink recipe is perfect.
2. Pomegranate Juice
This vibrant, ruby-red juice, originating from Iran and India, is a favorite of registered dietitian Marie Spano, M.S., RD, CSCS, CSSD. She explains, “100% pomegranate juice is made by pressing the entire fruit, including the rind, pith, and arils, maximizing its antioxidant benefits.” Studies have shown that pomegranate juice boasts more antioxidant potency than red wine, Concord grape juice, or green tea. A 3.5-ounce serving of pomegranate juice offers 2.1 mmol of antioxidants and can be enjoyed in smoothies, mocktails, or simply by the glass.
3. Grape Juice
If red wine isn’t your thing but you still want the antioxidant benefits, grape juice is an excellent alternative. It contains many of the same polyphenols, like resveratrol, that help reduce heart disease risk. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the negative side effects of alcohol. A 3.5-ounce serving of grape juice contains 1.2 mmol of antioxidants. Enjoy it chilled, over ice, or try our Grape-Pineapple Mint Fizz recipe.
4. Hot (and Iced) Chocolate
Great news for chocolate lovers! Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants, and the higher the cocoa content, the better. Spano notes, “Cocoa flavanols in hot or iced chocolate drinks can improve blood flow, boost cognitive performance, and lower blood pressure.” To maximize benefits, choose non-alkalized cocoa. A 3.5-ounce serving of cocoa with milk provides 0.37 mmol of antioxidants. Warm up with our Healthy Hot Chocolate or whisk up a healthy iced chocolate drink with unsweetened cocoa and your favorite milk.
5. Coffee
Your morning cup of joe does more than just wake you up. Coffee is an excellent source of chlorogenic acid, a plant compound with anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. A 3.5-ounce serving of espresso has a whopping 14.2 mmol of antioxidants, while the same amount of filtered coffee contains 2.5 mmol. Whether you enjoy it black, with milk, hot, or iced, coffee is a powerhouse of antioxidants.
6. Orange Juice
A breakfast staple, orange juice is packed with vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Spano points out that orange juice also contains hesperidin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. When oranges are pressed to make juice, hesperidin is extracted from the peel, pulp, and membranes, making orange juice one of the best sources of this antioxidant. A 3.5-ounce serving provides 0.64 mmol of antioxidants. Enjoy it cold, in a Green Smoothie, or try our Whipped Frozen Creamsicle recipe.
The Bottom Line
Classic beverages like green tea, pomegranate juice, grape juice, hot chocolate, coffee, and orange juice are rich sources of antioxidants. Skip the pricey, trendy drinks and enjoy these time-tested, nutrient-packed options. Sipping a variety of these drinks alongside a balanced diet is a delicious and healthy way to boost your antioxidant intake and support overall well-being.
